Long-term retrospective study of 52 horses with sinunasal cysts.

Authors: Woodford N S, Lane J G

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.2746/042516406776866372 PubMed: 16706271Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Long-term Retrospective Study of Sinunasal Cysts in 52 Horses Woodford and Lane's 24-year retrospective analysis of 52 equine sinunasal cyst cases provides valuable insight into clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and surgical outcomes for this condition. The research identified facial swelling, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and airflow obstruction as the most common presenting signs, with characteristic endoscopic findings including narrowed nasal passages and cysts visible within the nasal cavity or caudal to the septum when viewed from the contralateral meatus; radiographically, discrete masses, increased sinunasal opacity, fluid lines and septal deviation were typical. Osteoplastic flap surgical ablation proved highly effective, with 94% of 48 horses (45 cases) achieving complete resolution of clinical signs following subtotal or total cyst wall extirpation, and 87% demonstrating good to fair cosmetic outcomes. Notably, the prognosis for full recovery has improved substantially compared to earlier published reports, likely reflecting refinements in both surgical technique and perioperative management. For equine practitioners, this work reinforces that sinunasal cysts can occur at any age and that early recognition of respiratory signs combined with radiographic confirmation of a well-demarcated mass should prompt referral for surgical intervention, which remains the gold standard for definitive management.

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Practical Takeaways

•Sinunasal cysts can present at any age; facial swelling, mucopurulent discharge, and airway obstruction should raise clinical suspicion and warrant radiographic investigation
•Discrete, well-circumscribed masses on radiographs strongly support cyst diagnosis; confirm with endoscopy showing narrowed nasal meati and characteristic cyst location
•Osteoplastic flap approach for cyst wall extirpation offers excellent prognosis (94% resolution) with good cosmetic outcomes in most cases; this is the treatment of choice

Key Findings

•45 of 48 horses (94%) showed complete resolution of clinical signs after subtotal or total cyst wall extirpation using osteoplastic flap technique
•39 of 45 horses (87%) achieved good to fair cosmetic appearance post-operatively (26 good, 13 fair, 6 poor)
•Common endoscopic findings included narrowed nasal meati, cyst in nasal cavity, and cyst visible caudal to nasal septum from contralateral meatus
•Prognosis for full recovery has improved compared to previous 15-case report, with 94% success rate versus lower historical outcomes

Conditions Studied

sinunasal cystsfacial swellingmucopurulent nasal dischargenasal airflow obstruction

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